Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADU’s are fast becoming a very popular part of Los Angeles homes. With the rising costs of rent and the small availability of affordable housing many have begun to convert garages, attics, basements or even add small units on their property to rent out. The addition of rental income means that you can do more of the things you like to do without having to work harder and you have instantly added value to your property. Congrats! You have decided to convert your empty garage into an ADU, you know what you would like to do but are concerned about the costs.
In preparation of beginning the project you can give us a call for a free consultation. Building an ADU may seem like it could be a DIY, but it will require a foundation, framing, wiring and plumbing and not to mention if you plan on renting it out or possibly selling your property one day the ADU will need to be up to code. The best way to ensure that the cost is kept under budget is to design the ADU first.
During the floor plan design process, we can figure out the exact cost for your ADU or garage conversion. We can figure that out by knowing how many windows will it have, how many doors, the quality of the finish work (countertop, flooring, etc).
You can call around getting estimates from many contractors but no one will give you a 100% accurate number because you don’t have the Floor Plan Blueprints.
If you call around to contractors, you can give a general idea of what you plan on doing for the conversion and they can supply you with a free estimate. Keep in mind that the price you get will be an estimate so you should plan on a little less or more depending on the job. An estimate will give you a good starting point in your project though. From there you can decide on extras you would want to add or maybe items to scale back. The biggest thing to keep in mind when starting this project is that over time it will not only pay for itself but is giving you additional income and added property value.
Adding an ADU is something I will want to do once I have a property of my own. The benefits of adding one outweighs the initial costs. Looking for properties that already have an ADU or that could support one is a great way to begin your home buying experience. Or maybe you are wishing to sell your house and want to add value to it; convert that old, empty garage! Instant money in your pocket. ADU’s are the future of renting and home buying, it is best to get in now while costs are still low and the demand is high. Choose the contractor that best fits in your budget and style and get a free estimate so you can try to plan accordingly. Remember that just like a home, extras like a porch or built-in shelves add value to the small dwelling that can mean more rental income and more property value for you!
